Winter Greens with Bright Apricot Vinaigrette

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, we find comfort in cozy evenings and vibrant, nourishing meals. At Clif Family Farm, winter greens are a true star—resilient, flavorful, and the perfect canvas for a bright, sunny dressing. This recipe for Winter Greens with Apricot Vinaigrette harnesses the natural sweetness of our own Clif Family Organic Apricot Jam, transforming a simple salad into a satisfying dish. The jam brings a subtle tang and beautiful texture to the vinaigrette, pairing wonderfully with the bite of winter greens and the richness of feta and pecans. It’s a taste of sunshine to brighten any winter table.

Recommended Pairing: Clif Family 2023 Napa Valley Chardonnay

• 2 Tbsp Clif Family Organic Apricot Jam
• 1/4 cup Champagne vinegar
• 1 tsp smooth Dijon mustard
• 1 small shallot, finely minced
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, we recommend Clif Family Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tsp salt
• Pinch black pepper

• 8-10 cups winter green salad blend (any mix based on preference of frisee, kale, mizuna, radicchio, arugula, spinach)
• 3/4 cup toasted pecan halves
• 3 oz French feta, crumbled
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, cut into quarters
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Mix all vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Whisk together until the mixture is homogenous.
3. Taste for seasoning and adjust with more salt and pepper if necessary.

1. Cut salad greens into large, bite-size pieces.
2. Wash the greens in cold water and spin dry.
3. In a large mixing bowl, add the salad greens and season lightly with salt and pepper.
4. Dress the greens with a few tablespoons of the Apricot Vinaigrette until the greens are evenly coated. Mix by hand to avoid bruising the delicate leaves.
5. Top the salad with the crumbled feta, toasted pecans, and dried apricots. Serve immediately.

This salad shows that winter dining doesn't have to be heavy. The bright acidity and fruit notes from the vinaigrette make this dish a refreshing palate cleanser and a great accompaniment to heartier main courses.

Its crisp acidity, notes of citrus, and touch of creamy texture are the perfect complement to the richness of the pecans and the tang of the Apricot Vinaigrette.